📍 About MAF & Midland
Midland Tower operates at Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF), located between Midland and Odessa in West Texas. The area is known for oil industry jobs, wide open spaces, affordable housing, and plenty of sunshine. Midland offers a slower pace of life and family-friendly suburbs, while still being within reach of local dining and entertainment options.
🏡 Where to Live
Midland – Singles & Couples
- Downtown Midland – Revitalizing area with lofts, restaurants, bars
- North Midland – Quiet, newer apartments and condos
- Wadley-Barbara – Central location with access to shops and food
Midland – Families
- Greenwood – Excellent schools, larger lots, quiet living
- Grassland Estates – Family-oriented, newer homes
- Legado Ranch – Suburban feel, parks, good schools
- Odessa – More affordable homes, ~20–30 min commute
🚗 Commute Times to MAF
- 10–20 min: Downtown Midland, North Midland, Grassland Estates
- 20–30 min: Greenwood, Legado Ranch, Odessa
- 30–40 min: Gardendale, West Odessa
🎓 Top School Districts
- Midland ISD – Several magnet & advanced programs
- Greenwood ISD – Highly rated, small-town district
- Ector County ISD (Odessa) – Larger district, diverse options
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Midland Downtown Parks: Centennial Park, Dennis the Menace Park
- Hiking & Biking: Sibley Nature Center, I-20 Wildlife Preserve
- Golf: Hogan Park, Ranchland Hills Golf Club
- Weekend Trips: Balmorhea State Park (~2 hrs), Monahans Sandhills
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Museum of the Southwest: Art, science, history exhibits
- Permian Basin Petroleum Museum: Learn local energy history
- Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center: Live music, theater, ballet
- Movies & Bowling: Cinergy, Premiere Cinemas
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF): On-site facility
- Lubbock Preston Smith International (LBB): ~2 hrs north
- El Paso International (ELP): ~4 hrs west (long drive, more destinations)
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Greenwood & Grassland Estates: Very low crime and quiet
- North Midland: Safe and suburban
- Odessa: Affordable but some higher-crime pockets — research areas first
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Median home price: ~$270,000 (Midland), ~$210,000 (Odessa)
- 1-bedroom rent: ~$1,000–$1,250/month
- Groceries: Around national average – Milk ~$3.25, Eggs ~$2.75
- Gas: ~$3.10–$3.40/gallon
- Utilities: ~$160–$220/month for apartments
- Taxes: No state income tax (Texas)
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Greenwood: Rural feel, top schools, quiet
- Grassland Estates: Modern development, parks, family-friendly
- Downtown Midland: Improving nightlife, business district
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Mild, occasional freeze or dusting of snow
- Spring: Warm and breezy — peak wind season
- Summer: Hot and dry, 90s–100s
- Fall: Warm and dry, great sunsets
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- EZ-Rider: Basic local bus system in Midland/Odessa
- Most residents drive — car recommended
- Traffic: Light compared to major cities
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Midland Memorial Hospital
- Medical Center Hospital (Odessa)
- Urgent care: ProCare, NextCare, My Emergency Room 24/7
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Events: Permian Basin Fair, Cajun Fest, Midland County Horseshoe Arena events
- Nightlife: Bars and live music downtown
- Community: Church networks, local sports leagues, civic clubs
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Local Favorites: Wall Street Bar & Grill, Clear Springs Cafe, Cancun Grill
- BBQ & Tex-Mex: KD’s BBQ, Rosa’s Café, JumBurrito
- Coffee & Breakfast: Far West Coffee, Mulberry Café
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Training: Compact tower layout, quick checkouts
- Shifts: Traffic spikes with oil field flights — nights can be quiet
- Community: Most controllers live within 20 min of the airport
📦 Moving Tips
- Best move-in months: March–May and September–October (avoid extreme heat)
- Utilities: Set up early — power and gas can take time
- Furniture: Limited options locally — consider buying online or in Lubbock
❓ FAQs
- Is Midland affordable?
Yes. Cost of living is below national average with no income tax. - Is there a nightlife scene?
Yes — growing downtown area, breweries, live music - What’s the weather like?
Very sunny and dry. Hot summers, mild winters.